People trafficking guidelines for NGOs launched
The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, has launched the Guidelines for NGOs working with trafficked people in Sydney today along with the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson QC and the Director of the NGO Anti-Slavery Project, Jennifer Burn.
“Assisting victims to deal with and recover from the trauma associated with people trafficking presents unique challenges. NGOs are often the first point of contact for victims, so I’m pleased to launch this practical resource that will support NGOs in their work.”
The guidelines cover key issues including:
-
gaining informed consent from a victim before taking action on their case
-
protecting the privacy of victims and treating their cases confidentially
-
the importance of providing culturally appropriate services, and
-
the requirement that service providers must also meet professional/occupational standards and codes of conduct.
“NGOs play a vital role working on the ground to protect the rights of trafficked people and we have an ethical responsibility to make sure trafficked people can obtain the information and services they need. These Guidelines are the gold standard for ethical ways of working with trafficked people,” Ms Burn said.
The Guidelines were developed by a Working Group established at the first meeting of the National Roundtable on People Trafficking in June 2008. The Working Group was comprised of Commonwealth Government agencies and nine NGOs chaired by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick.
“It has been a great pleasure to chair the Working Group and to watch so many committed individuals in action,” Ms Broderick said. “These Guidelines are a testament to how collaboration and goodwill between NGOs and the government sector can create outcomes that deliver real protections for the human rights of trafficked people.”
“Too often it is those who have suffered the great human rights violations who face the greatest obstacles securing justice,” Ms Branson said. “These Guidelines will be an invaluable tool for the community and welfare groups who work so hard to protect the rights of trafficking victims.
The Guidelines for NGOs working with trafficked people can be accessed at www.ag.gov.au/peopletrafficking or at
www.humanrights.gov.au/sex_discrimination/publication/traffic_NGO/.
Media Contact: Samantha Wills 0448 721 372
